Chain link mechanism for pig casting apparatus



Sept. 7, 1943. F, F. BOLLINGER ET AL 8 CHAIN LINK MECHANISM FOR PIG CASTING APPARATUS Filed June 21, 1941 A'r'rozNEY Patented Sept. 7, 1943 2,325,755? CHAIN LINK MECHANISM FOR PIG CASTING APPARATUS Frank. F. Bollinger, Pittsburgh, and Carl L. Kenney,'Avalon, Pa.

Our invention is an improvement in chain link mechanism for pig casting apparatus of the continuous double chain-conveyed mold series type of present standard construction, wherein molten metal is continuously received, hardened and discharged. 1

In such construction a continuous series of transversely arranged overlapping molds are supported by their opposite ends and carried upon and by endless chains passing around endmost driving and drivensprocket wheels'for progressive filling, cooling, discharge and spraying, as at present largely practiced in the art.

Ordinarily the carrying chains consist of pairs of individual links connected by transverse pins providing axle bearings forthe track supported wheels.

' The invention refers to a one piece construction in which the pair'of links are rigidly connected by a transverse wall or web and in which the inner link is provided with a mold connecting shelf-like base, as more fully'describedherein.

, each of the opposite chain strands and their Referring to the drawing illustrating one preferred form of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a side View in elevation of the double plete link member;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view on the line IV-- IV of Fig. 2, illustrating the chain mounting and connection with the mold.

As in our application Ser. No. 380,580 the pair of link members 2 are so disposed as to embrace between their terminals at one end the terminals of an adjacent pair of link members, and at the other end to be similarly embraced, as in Fig. 2. Their opposite terminals are in parallelism, thus facilitating easy and accurate assemblage and for connection and mounting of the successive traction wheels I on the connecting axle pins 6, for which the link terminals are provided with suitable holes 3.

The link members converge sufficiently out of parallelism to provide for such connection, as clearly shown, and are rigidly connected midway by an upper integral arch or flat wall 36. As clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3 arch 3B is materially enlarged and reinforced at one side and merges into a correspondingly reinforced upper middle depth extension of the inner link member 2, thus materially stabilizing the load supporting inner side of the double link member.

Assuming that, as usual, the molds I! are connected with and supported in continuous series between opposite chain strands, the inner side 01' each link member 2 isprovided with an integral fiat projecting mold-supporting base flange l3. It is provided withholes M for bolt connection with the terminal lip or lug l6 of the mold H, as in Fig. 4. I

It will be understood of course that in receiving position for the molten metal the molds and ,ways are provided. As shown, the connecting wall 36 extends only to a plane sufliciently below the wheel rims to provide ample track clearance for such return travel.

As shown in Fig. 4 clearance is provided between the inner link member and the mold in either receiving or reversed position for insertion of a splash preventing barrier A or the like, as in our Patent No. 2,292,922. Such clearance is provided by the off-set between the cross connection 36 and the lower, or upper when reversed, projecting mold supporting base I3.

Our improved construction is of advantage in that it provides, in a single integral member, a double link element of simple and economical construction, with great facility in manufacture, installation or replacement. All of its essential parts are self contained and durable, being cast or forged,,preferably of manganese steel.

It will be understood that our improvement is not limited as to size, dimensions, design or otherwise, and that it may be adapted to other uses or applications by the designing engineer within the scope of the following claims.

What we claim is:

1. A one piece double link for a conveyor chain formed to provide a pair of opposite converging side link members having opposite pairs of parallel terminals of different lateral spacing for inner and, outer interfitting connection with similar adjacent link members, the inner one of said side link members having an upper middle longitudinal and vertical reinforcing enlargement and a lower laterally extending connecting and supporting'flange forming an extension from its lower edge portion, and an upper middle connecting arch member forming a continuation of the side link members, said arch member and inner link member having longitudinal and vertical reinforcing enlargements respectively in merging connection of said members.

2. A one piece double link for a conveyor chain comprising a pair of opposite converging side link members having parallel connecting terminals of different lateral spacing for inner and outer interengaging connection with similar adjacent members, the inner one of saidlink members being materially enlarged vertically and longitudinally of its upper edge portion, a middle upper bridge portion extending across from the outer side link member longitudinally enlarged at its integralejunc ti'on with the=enlargement of the inner side link member, and a laterallyextending load-supporting flange integrally con;

member.

nected with the lower edge of the inner link-' 3. An integral link for a conveyor chain, said link consisting of a pair of spaced apart linkmembers having their upper edge portions integrally connected by a middle top bridge portion having at one side a longitudinal enlargement, one of said link members having a laterally projecting mold-attaching flange extending beyond its lower edgeportion and at its upper edge a vertical and. longitudinal enlargement I I merging with the enlargement of the bridge por 7 tion.

.FRANK F. BOLLINGER, CARL L. KENNEY. 

